FSU lifts alcohol ban on Greek life and student organizations

Florida State University's Vice President of Student Affairs Amy Hecht announced that the administration was partially lifting the Greek life ban at a news conference in January.(Photo11: Hali Tauxe/Democrat)

FSU has lifted the alcohol ban on Greek life and registered student organizations (RSOs). This past Friday, presidents and advisors of Greek organizations and RSOs were sent an email that detailed the requirements and expectations. According to the email, recognized fraternities and sororities who are in “good standing” with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (OFSL) and complete risk management training will be permitted to host social events with alcohol. Several training sessions have been scheduled.

The email begins by assuring that the university has been working collaboratively to “address serious issues related to safe, responsible conduct and behavior.”

“Our work is far from complete, and the university continues to engage students and organizations to address relevant issues as we strive for a safer, healthier community," Amy Hecht, Vice President of Student Affairs, wrote in the email.

On Nov. 3, 2017, President John Thrasher placed an indefinite suspension on Greek life following the death of 20-year-old Andrew Coffey, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge, who died from alcohol poisoning at an off-campus party. For the past five months, FSU has been taking steps to lift the ban. In late January, FSU revised the suspension to allow philanthropy, recruitment and other alcohol-free activities. Greek organizations, such as Alpha Delta Pi, have been given permission to hold alcohol-free activities that focus on values like sisterhood.

Before the ban, events with alcohol were unlimited. Per new university policy, Greek organizations will be allowed to host four socials with alcohol in the fall and six in the spring. Hecht previously commented that these numbers can shift according to student behavior. Law enforcement or approved security must also be present for the duration of these events.A minimum of 75 percent of members must be educated on FSU event policies and procedures before any event and must complete leadership training from OFSL.

Friday's email outlined expectations for the chapters in good standing, making it clear that events with alcohol must be registered with the university and OFSL must be given prior notice. RSOs and Greek organizations are also responsible for ensuring that their leaders complete risk management training and that their events adhere to FSU’s alcohol policy.